[frinkprof]

Nevermind.

[MalcolmTucker]

^ Build the downtown subway for 5 car trains for sure, but they aren't really needed except as a 'path dependency' type contingency anywhere else for a long time.

Ie: you are going to build a second station head on the other end of a station on the south line, it makes sense to build to 5 car lengths instead of being stuck at 4 car lengths forever.

[frinkprof]

Nevermind.

[srperrycgy]

That's the only thing I don't like about the Canada Line are the shorter platforms.

[faxri]

I assume that they will have to close off stations as they did downtown? Is there a schedule (ie when they are planning to start) out yet for the other stations? I tried to look around but I couldnt find anything.

[mersar]

I assume that they will have to close off stations as they did downtown? Is there a schedule (ie when they are planning to start) out yet for the other stations? I tried to look around but I couldnt find anything.

Stations will likely need to close, but only for short periods (measured in weeks versus months or years) for many. Many of the NE stations and Canyon Meadows already have the footings in place for the platform extension, as they were built when the station was originally, and many others have ample room to just build off the end of the platform. Some will need to have minor rail changes (possible moving/removing switches, etc). So much of the work needed will be off the existing platform. The closures will be mostly for fixing up the existing station itself (repainting, concrete repair, etc) and then a short bit for tieing things in before opening. Other stations though will need more the months long closures depending on the setup, and some others will be build new-close old, open new- demolish old if they need to be shifted.

[mersar]

Just for curiousity sake, was cleaning up my wallet and taking out the huge stack of transit passes (I had all the way back to last July still in it), looks like Jan and Feb were without price on the pass, but March and April both did have the price.

[frinkprof]

Nevermind.

[tmjr]

For the super-nerdy among us,
What they did is take the "good" ends of 2 cars that had been wrecked, and they fused them together to create a single car.

Is 'they' Calgary Transit, or did the original manufacturer do this?

[mersar]

Is 'they' Calgary Transit, or did the original manufacturer do this?

Calgary Transit. Work was done at Anderson. Essentially allowed them to recover a usable lrv without the cost of a new one.

[tmjr]

Calgary Transit. Work was done at Anderson. Essentially allowed them to recover a usable lrv without the cost of a new one.

Perhaps I'm generally clueless at all that Calgary Transit does behind the scenes, but that seems impressive to me! Kudos!

[mersar]

Perhaps I'm generally clueless at all that Calgary Transit does behind the scenes, but that seems impressive to me! Kudos!

Yep. When it comes to the electro mechanics and other behinds the scenes workers, CT has a pretty talented set. All the refurbishments to the LRV's has all been in house, ranging from the current swapping of the heating units for ones with AC to the full refurbishment of the older U2's as they've come due to the tricks done to get the 2 oddball AC U2's working with the fleet. Edmonton by comparison has contracted most of the major stuff out, for instance they're refurbing their U2's slowly and each has to be sent to New York or somewhere down there to be done.

[frinkprof]

Nevermind.

[DarkKeyo]

Don't think this has been mentioned yet. Calgary Transit's website now shows that City Hall and 3rd St SE stations will be closed on May 3rd. Much sooner than I was expecting.

[mersar]

Yep. I wasn't expecting City Hall until later this year

[frinkprof]

Nevermind.

[Wooster]

Excellent!

[mooky]

Wow, once this gets underway all that's left is expansion to the Convention Center platform which is minor work and the downtown is ready for 4-car consists.

When is 4th street due to open again, this fall correct, with the completion of the park?

Are there any renderings of the city hall twin? I'm trying to picture it out in my mind. I can't see how they are going to tie the honking big platforms into the old city hall on the south side, or how they intend to tie it in with the library and police admin building on the north side (especially considering both those buildings MAY be demolished in the near future)

[frinkprof]

Nevermind.

[mersar]

Wow, once this gets underway all that's left is expansion to the Convention Center platform which is minor work and the downtown is ready for 4-car consists.

When is 4th street due to open again, this fall correct, with the completion of the park?

Early 2011.

Are there any renderings of the city hall twin? I'm trying to picture it out in my mind. I can't see how they are going to tie the honking big platforms into the old city hall on the south side, or how they intend to tie it in with the library and police admin building on the north side (especially considering both those buildings MAY be demolished in the near future)

Nope, none at all yet. How they'll be tied in is probably the same type of idea as 6th and 8th street are, and whatever gets built will just be built right up to the edge of the platform or if its set back a bit they may extend the platform to the building

[fusili]

I know this has been asked before, but why does it take the City more than a year to build a LRT platform? It should be done in 3 months, max. They just have to put more people on the job.

[mersar]

Some of its due to the fact that certain things have to be timed with line closures, but yeah, things shouldn't take as long as they do. Hopefully the WLRT will set an example of how things should be done in the future in terms of the schedule for getting things done, especially for future extensions and even rebuilds of other stations as they will be happening over time.

[frinkprof]

Yeah there's a lot of different steps to those 7th Avenue platforms, and hence a lot of different contractors (demolition, prefab concrete construction and installation, electrical work, steel, glass, etc.), which can be hard to coordinate. With these stations the electrical is probably the most complicated part due to the work that has to be done under the platform, plus the catenary work along the Avenue and the substation.

But yeah, I don't see why it couldn't be pushed to be done in a single construction season and be opened by the late fall.

I too hope that extensions like Aspen Woods and the future South line extension can be done a lot faster than it took to do Crowfoot and McKnight-Westwinds.

[Ferreth]

Hopefully they can get the south / northwest platforms upgraded to 4 cars by the time City Hall is done - although I'm doubting it's going to happen. Crossing my fingers some of that Federal Stimulus money will get those platforms started this year as well.

[frinkprof]

Nevermind.

[eggbert]

Stupid question maybe, but what do they mean by "twinned"?

[frinkprof]

Nevermind.

[freeweed]

^Very much doubt the south and northwest stations will be done by 2011. Likely started on, but certainly not finished. I doubt it would even be possible, since necessary closures would have to be coordinated and you probably wouldn't want to have more than 1 or maybe 2 stations on a line closed concurrenty. The completion date for 4-LRV platforms for the south and northwest lines is 2014.

I've either read it online or heard straight from the City, but I thought there were no closures planned for any of the suburban station extensions. Other than some weekend work, but that happens all the time anyway.

If the will was there, this could be done in a year. Easily. If you can build 8 stations + track + everything else in 3 years, you sure as heck should be able to extend a couple dozen concrete aprons in 1.

I suspect it's still a funding thing, like everything else.

[TETT2]

I know this has been asked before, but why does it take the City more than a year to build a LRT platform? It should be done in 3 months, max. They just have to put more people on the job.

more people = more money and more disruptions.

Who knows to be honest with you. You can also say that about many other projects such as Tuscany/RR Station which got pushed back a couple of years.

[frinkprof]

Nevermind.

[mersar]

I also got a reply from the city about Centre Street, it won't need to be closed to do the work according to what the person who replied was told by TI, but no word on when the actual work will happen.

[freeweed]

frink, I know the official story (and I'm sure I'm over-simplifying things just a a tad) but until I see a 7th Ave station that doesn't regularly sit with zero construction activity, I'm chalking this mostly up to poor planning and funding models.

I've gotten so obsessed with this that for quite some time now it's been my mission to count how often I see crews working on the platforms as they're constructed. At *best* 50% of the time, but it's more like 30%. There are days and days and days where no one's there, morning or afternoon. 4th St W was taken down (feels like weeks ago already) and all I've seen since then is construction fencing put up.

I realize I'm not exactly watching them 7x24 but again, with planning, there's no reason some work shouldn't be happening at a steady clip (certainly mornings and afternoons would be common times for construction work...). Look at the pace EAP is going - that's because every single day I've looked, including Sundays, they have workers on site. Maybe not till 4 am, but long days generally.

There's a financial penalty if EAP doesn't open on time. What happens if a platform is closed for a few more weeks/months than necessary? C-train riders are a captive market for the most part.

[mersar]

4th Street has actually been about the most active station I've seen being worked on. Pretty much every day theres something happening when I'm past htere in the morning, though that may be due to the fact that this station isn't being done by the city, rather its the province's contractor doing the work and I don't think they've been involved in any of the other stations

[DarkKeyo]

There will pretty much have to be closures. Whitehorn for example will be closed down for a period this summer. If for the south and northwest lines, only short station closures are necessary, there are still track closures/disruptions that most likely will be necessary. This is because there are scissor crossover tracks that will need to be removed/relocated due to the platform extensions in a few areas.


I'm kind of interested in what stations you think will require having the crossover tracks removed. I've spent plenty of time calculating how platform extensions would fit while riding the train (it passes the time) and I'm pretty sure all of the stations have enough room between the end of the platform and the switches for a 4 car platform, just not a 5-car one.

The NE stations (and Canyon Meadows and Brentwood) have what look like foundations or preparations for platform extension covering a good distance between the platform and the switches. Erlton, and Chinook south to Anderson have long walkways from the platform end to the level crossings, which would be replaced with platform, and in some cases the level crossings moved. Although they wouldn't be wheelchair accessible during extension coinstruction. Sunnyside has space between the platform and level crossing on the south side, but the wheelchair ramp would be moved here too. Lions Park would just need the east level crossing moved. Banff Trail is easy. 39th will require some creative platform cramming into a small space, but won't interfere with crossovers or exits. Victoria Park has room on the north side, though the third platform's track may be in the way. The only ones I see as a problem are Fish Creek, which seems to have ramps/stairs at both ends, and SAIT, which has an indoor shelter at the west end that will have to go (they were doing something to that shelter during the closure last weekend).

I don't see how any of this requires closing all of the station, and I know they've had stations be non-wheelchair-accessible during construction before. Unless they're going to renovate the stations themselves... I'd really like to know what that open house at Whitehorn said about what they were doing there.

Edit: 100 posts! And a long-winded one, too. Sorry

[frinkprof]

Nevermind.

[frinkprof]

Nevermind.

[You Need A Thneed]

Construction Update on the NE extension:

The new sound wall along the LRT right of way is mostly complete. Probably wont take too much longer.

Piling for both stations is underway. You can see rebar sticking up at Saddletowne station. The retaining walls at Saddletowne station have been complete for a while, so if you drive by, you can see exactly where the tracks will go.

[frinkprof]

Nevermind.

[frinkprof]

Nevermind.

[freeweed]

Suicide jumper today at SAIT Station at around 12:30.

The evening news only described it as a pedestrian being hit; did any information actually come out about this?

As for the 57 - They better deal with this well. I'm not of the belief that air travelers will use much transit, so I don't think we need the LRT or 50 bus routes, but still - I'm sure plenty of employees take that to work. How the hell are the expected to get to work?

[MalcolmTucker]

They all have free parking - but yeah, there at least needs to be something.

[fusili]

They all have free parking - but yeah, there at least needs to be something.

Not all of them. The airport authority employees maybe, but there are a hell of a lot of organizations working at the airport and not all of them have free parking. HMS Host would probably be the biggest- they are the employer of all retail and restaurant staff at the airport. None of them get free parking.

[lubicon]

The evening news only described it as a pedestrian being hit; did any information actually come out about this?



If it was a suicide I doubt there will be any further information released. They generally don't tend to publicize these.

[freeweed]

They all have free parking - but yeah, there at least needs to be something.

Free parking doesn't help people who take transit. I know what you're saying though. ;)

[freeweed]

If it was a suicide I doubt there will be any further information released. They generally don't tend to publicize these.

Actually that would make sense. Usually when it's an accident you get all sorts of details, witness reports, etc. The near-total silence does make me think you're correct.

[frinkprof]

Nevermind.

[mersar]

Well in terms of fixing the soon to be missing route #57, thats where I can see that proposed BRT-like route from Northpointe to YYC and beyond to the NE coming in to play. Do something like Northpointe to Barlow via Country Hills, south to the terminal, back north to Country Hills, east on CHB again, then south on Metis to McKnight. This of course requires Metis to be finished which it hopefully will be by that time. Or another alternative routing once the 96th ave connector is built, go south from Northpointe via Harvest Hills to 96th ave, east to the terminal at YYC, north on Barlow to CHB, east to Metis, south to McKnight. This would at least have the route going past potential ridership, rather then being mostly a trip through almost nothingness. Of course if Stonegate gets built the first option may be better.

[fusili]

Well in terms of fixing the soon to be missing route #57, thats where I can see that proposed BRT-like route from Northpointe to YYC and beyond to the NE coming in to play. Do something like Northpointe to Barlow via Country Hills, south to the terminal, back north to Country Hills, east on CHB again, then south on Metis to McKnight. This of course requires Metis to be finished which it hopefully will be by that time. Or another alternative routing once the 96th ave connector is built, go south from Northpointe via Harvest Hills to 96th ave, east to the terminal at YYC, north on Barlow to CHB, east to Metis, south to McKnight. This would at least have the route going past potential ridership, rather then being mostly a trip through almost nothingness. Of course if Stonegate gets built the first option may be better.

YYC to Saddleridge station via 96th Avenue (or tunnel), and then South on 52nd to SE LRT. Booya!

[ssiguy]

What will tne the exact length of the CTrain and by 2012 & 2014?
Thanks.

[CTrainDude]

Apparently it was actually an unsuccessful suicide attempt. Someone from another forum I post at (mostly lurk) witnessed it.

http://forums.beyond.ca/st/299679/some-guy-jumped-infront-of-the-c-train-at-sait/

I heard the guy eventually died...I feel bad for the driver. He's probably one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet.

[mersar]

Has anyone ever had the CTrain operator who gives everyone the weather forecast and top headlines? I had him the other day, he started telling everyone the forecast as we pulled out of 7th street, continued talking almost all the way to Sunnyside. And wished everyone a good day as he pulled into each station past there.

What will tne the exact length of the CTrain and by 2012 & 2014?
Thanks.

46km now according to CT, roughly 48.9km after Saddleridge opens, around 58km after the WLRT opens and then 60.5km or so after Tuscany opens in 2014. I group them like that as I suspect that the NE extension and the WLRT will open at different points of 2012, I can't imagine CT wanting to have to commission and train for two different things at once and if they can keep Saddleridge on schedule it should be before the WLRT.

[srperrycgy]

Has anyone ever had the CTrain operator who gives everyone the weather forecast and top headlines? I had him the other day, he started telling everyone the forecast as we pulled out of 7th street, continued talking almost all the way to Sunnyside. And wished everyone a good day as he pulled into each station past there.

I think I've been on the CTrain with this guy as the operator when I was heading out of DT to the NW a couple of months back. This guy is quite yappy, but in a good way. He must enjoy his job with CT. :cool:

[jeffwhit]

I get him almost every other time I get lazy and ride the train to work from Sunnyside. I catch the train around quarter after nine and I get the weather. People on the train are trying really hard not to smile while it's happening, it's funny.

[freeweed]

Has anyone ever had the CTrain operator who gives everyone the weather forecast and top headlines? I had him the other day, he started telling everyone the forecast as we pulled out of 7th street, continued talking almost all the way to Sunnyside. And wished everyone a good day as he pulled into each station past there.

I used to have him damn near every day (I follow a pretty unchanging schedule). Weather reports, news stories, when the train gets delayed for any reason he tells jokes... he must be on a slightly different schedule now as I haven't heard him in a while.

It's mildly annoying for me as I'm usually watching something on my iPod and when I hear a driver's voice I pause it, assuming there's some critical information being delivered, and then it's just this guy yapping. :haha: But seriously, he must really be a good-natured person and enjoy his job. The guy's a tremendous ambassador for CT and should really be recognized somehow. If I ever have him heading to a line terminus (where the driver actually gets out) I've always thought about saying hi. Not sure if tipping a transit driver is appropriate, or if they're even allowed, but that's the kind of thing I'd like to do.

Now that you mention it, the next time I hear him, I'm gonna write down the train # and time, and send a glowing note to CT. He really deserves some sort of recognition for being one of their best employees. I've had my share of miserable grumps over the years and this guy restores some of my faith in humanity.

[fusili]

City extending platforms to handle four-car trains


Calgary HeraldApril 9, 2010



With the city close to finishing work on downtown LRT platforms to accommodate four-car trains, it will start work on the suburban stations this summer.

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/todays-paper/City+extending+platforms+handle+four+trains/2781280/story.html#ixzz0kdcmp2ZC


Link (http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/todays-paper/City+extending+platforms+handle+four+trains/2781280/story.html)

I think we all know this already, but just in case.

[frinkprof]

Nevermind.

[DarkKeyo]

Good to see them getting started on the extensions. And as much as the stations could use some touching up, I like that they won't be closed for renovations. It'll be interesting to see how they pull it off, since a lot of level crossings and stuff will be moved, and a lot of wheelchair access will be interfered with.

[niwell]

Has anyone ever had the CTrain operator who gives everyone the weather forecast and top headlines? I had him the other day, he started telling everyone the forecast as we pulled out of 7th street, continued talking almost all the way to Sunnyside. And wished everyone a good day as he pulled into each station past there.



hah, that reminds me of years ago when I took the CTrain to work and had the guy who would announce stops like airports. "We are descending into Brentwood Station, this is the final destination for this train, all passengers disembark only after the train comes to a full stop, enjoy your ride with Calgary Transit". That was 8 years ago, but I wonder if it's the same dude.

[Wooster]

I remember back about 8-10 years ago when the C-Trail pulled into Brentwood, the operator would say, "Welcome to Brentwood...sigh...still the end of the line..." with so much disdain in his voice. Most of the people on the train looked like they agreed.

[frinkprof]

Nevermind.

[Ferreth]

Here's an example of the pylons that were put in on the NE line to allow for quick 4 car platform construction. You'll note that the electrical(?) boxes were put back far enough so they don't have to move anything.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2332/4511382804_32da44ed74.jpg

[frinkprof]

Nevermind.

[mersar]

Yep. I'd imagine without being anchored to anything even just due to freeze-thaw that they may have shifted. Though there may be some tolerance level to any shifting that still means they'll still be usable.

[frinkprof]

Yep. I'd imagine without being anchored to anything even just due to freeze-thaw that they may have shifted. Though there may be some tolerance level to any shifting that still means they'll still be usable.Deformation monitoring FTW.

[Dado]

Yep. I'd imagine without being anchored to anything even just due to freeze-thaw that they may have shifted. Though there may be some tolerance level to any shifting that still means they'll still be usable.

If the piles go deep enough there shouldn't be much if any shifting from freeze-thaw cycles since the cycle would only be acting on the uppermost portions of the pile.

I also doubt that the piles were all that precisely placed anyway (they certainly don't look it); each pile will probably receive a customized levelling cap or something similar, which is what the platform will be built on.

[frinkprof]

Nevermind.

[kap384]

This has bugged me for awhile. Does anyone else notice this?

The refurbishment of the blocks along 7th Ave downtown were supposed to have common finishing to them to distinguish pedestrian areas from transit areas. I'll admit there is an attempt to make it consistent, but a piss poor one. It does appear that there are supposed to be slightly different sidewalk designs on station, and non-station blocks. Generally speaking though, there are repeating sequences of multiple, rectangular cement castings, with repeating dark tinted bands. Problem is, I see no consistency down the length of the street in either the sizes and shapes of the cement castings, or the darkness or actual presence of a tinted portion.

I do recognize that some very recent developments (ie. The Courts building) has it's own, somewhat different treatment. I don't expect that to be torn up (even though I believe the downtown refurbishment plan was published well before those sidewalks were poured). However, when the city cheaps out and goes with simple concrete, you'd think the contractor could repeat the design properly:hell:

And by the way, if the concrete work I think I've seen in the roadway is the final product, they city has missed the mark on designing attractive and different, pedestrian and transit corridors. Maybe like the 16th Ave Mall in Denver:

http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=39.747381,-104.994774&spn=0,0.001206&t=h&z=20&layer=c&cbll=39.747457,-104.995113&panoid=Hh8osv891uolJ7MZqvnPbw&cbp=12,115.75,,0,14.11

End ranthttp://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=39.747381,-104.994774&spn=0,0.001206&t=h&z=20&layer=c&cbll=39.747457,-104.995113&panoid=Hh8osv891uolJ7MZqvnPbw&cbp=12,115.75,,0,14.11

[frinkprof]

Nevermind.

[ssiguy]

What will tne the exact length of the CTrain and by 2012 & 2014?
Thanks.

Does anyone know? Thanks.

[DarkKeyo]

Route 30 (http://www.calgarytransit.com/route_maps/rte030.html) - Highfield Industrial. Serves a small area, and runs all day. Not very frequent though.


I'd just like to point out that route 30 stops running at 9 pm, so not 'all day.' This matters because it makes it tricky to get home from a show at the Frank Sissons Casino that ends after 9. Personal experience.

Agreed that all will be better with SE LRT. I might be able to easily get to employment in the SE from the NW.

In response to kap384: Did they ever have plans to design special sidewalks for the new transit stations? It seems a bit pointless to me, as each station is really a sidewalk and platform in one, separated by the supports for the roof, and by the ticket machines, etc. You're right that there is no consistency though, they seem to have gone with whatever concrete went best on that block. The dark concrete really only exists across from 8th st station.... and across from 3rd st there is merely asphalt, which is weird...

[mersar]

Does anyone know? Thanks.

See my reply here (http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showpost.php?p=4787728&postcount=351)

I'd just like to point out that route 30 stops running at 9 pm, so not 'all day.' This matters because it makes it tricky to get home from a show at the Frank Sissons Casino that ends after 9. Personal experience.

Agreed that all will be better with SE LRT. I might be able to easily get to employment in the SE from the NW.

In response to kap384: Did they ever have plans to design special sidewalks for the new transit stations? It seems a bit pointless to me, as each station is really a sidewalk and platform in one, separated by the supports for the roof, and by the ticket machines, etc. You're right that there is no consistency though, they seem to have gone with whatever concrete went best on that block. The dark concrete really only exists across from 8th st station.... and across from 3rd st there is merely asphalt, which is weird...

Across from 3rd is just temporary. They've actually fenced off the north side of the block between 3rd and 4th street stations to start redoing the sidewalks there, I'd expect they'll start on the side across from 3rd street next.

And speaking of downtown LRT work, the last demolition at 4th street is almost done. The old +15 was down to the bare steel deck supports when I went past on Monday

[fusili]

Route 23 (http://www.calgarytransit.com/route_maps/rte023.html) - Foothills Industrial. Probably the best route serving industrial areas in general. Good frequencies.

Route 176 (http://www.calgarytransit.com/route_maps/rte176.html) - 52nd Street Express. Pretty good route for quite a large area of inustrial. However, only a few runs a day.

Then, if a crosstown route or two with good frequency gets setup between the NE LRT and the SE LRT, it could give dramatically better service to these areas.

Combine the 23 and 176 into a BRT from Saddleridge Station (or maybe even the Airport if the tunnel gets built) down 52nd to Glenmore(ish) and connect to whatever SELRT station will be there (Shepard Road I think). And I mean real BRT. Sheltered stations, dedicated lane, 10 minute frequencies (at most) limited stops (probably 15 total). Run everything else as feeders to this- most of the NE bus routes can easily be routed to serve as feeders for both the NELRT and this BRT. Do the same with a 17th Avenue SE to Blackfoot BRT (and stay on Blackfoot until Heritage or so). Those wanting to go to Highfield Industrial will change at 52nd Street and 17th Avenue. That way any resident of the NE or Forest Lawn area can get to either the SE industrial area or Highfield industrial in a short amount of time, and will be able to wait at proper shelters for the bus. With dedicated bus lanes, you could probably go from Saddleridge to Shepard Road in 30 minutes.

[You Need A Thneed]

Combine the 23 and 176 into a BRT from Saddleridge Station (or maybe even the Airport if the tunnel gets built) down 52nd to Glenmore(ish) and connect to whatever SELRT station will be there (Shepard Road I think). And I mean real BRT. Sheltered stations, dedicated lane, 10 minute frequencies (at most) limited stops (probably 15 total).

I really think a route like that would be well used. However, the problem is the narrow right of way, especially between Marbank Drive and 17th Ave SE. I think you would have to expropriate some houses to get a dedicated lane in each way.

[fusili]

I really think a route like that would be well used. However, the problem is the narrow right of way, especially between Marbank Drive and 17th Ave SE. I think you would have to expropriate some houses to get a dedicated lane in each way.

Huh? That is a massive ROW. You could fit 6 lanes in total for most of that stretch. Between 14th Avenue and 17th Avenue you might need to cut the regular traffic lane down to one each way, but other than that, 52nd has either massive medians or shoulders on either side.

[srperrycgy]

Looking at Google Earth, there appears to be enough ROW for dedicated bus lanes for BRT. The only change I would add would be to extend the route to Chinook at least until the SELRT is built.

[You Need A Thneed]

Huh? That is a massive ROW. You could fit 6 lanes in total for most of that stretch. Between 14th Avenue and 17th Avenue you might need to cut the regular traffic lane down to one each way, but other than that, 52nd has either massive medians or shoulders on either side.

Massive medians? they are just over a lane wide. The shoulders for the most part aren't wide enough that taking more than half a lane's width on each side would still allow a comfortable sidewalk experience.

Travelling south from Saddletowne circle:


From Saddletowne Circle to 64th Ave - you could probably get two extra lanes in, but would require a narrower median, and not much grass between the curb lane and the sidewalk/bike path on each side.

From 64th to Castleridge Blvd / Falconridge Drive - Similar to the section to the north, but has many houses that have back yards that are directly on the sidewalk beside Falconridge Blvd.

Castleridge Blvd to 44th Ave/Temple Drive - Sound be relatively easy. The right of way is large here due to the future possibility of a interchange at McKnight (which will be built eventually)

44th Ave to Rundlehorn Drive - Should be enough space between 52nd street and the service road to get extra lanes in. Many of the intersections would require house expropriations though, I count around 10 houses that would have to be bulldozed to have enough room for the required lanes, alley access, and so they don’t have a sidewall of the house that’s about 5 feet from the traffic lane.

Rundlehorn Drive to Marbank Drive/Madigan Drive – The large right of way for the interchange means that space isn’t an issue. It would require adding extra lanes to the bridge.

Marbank Drive to Memorial Drive – It looks like there is enough space on the east side of 52nd street to do all of the widening to the east. There’s a whole bunch of houses along the west side that front directly onto 52nd street here. To really upgrade this stretch, something creative should be done with those houses, as they still require their on street parking.

Memorial to 14th Street SE – A similar situation to the falconridge area, would be possible, wouldn’t leave much space between the sidewalk and the driving lane. However, there is a bunch of parkspace beside most of this stretch that could probably be used to widen the ROW a little bit.

14th Ave SE to 17th Ave SE – very narrow, would likely have to expropriate all the houses on both sides of the street. I count 27 houses, plus perhaps a business or two (B&P cycle).

17th Ave SE to Glenmore Trail – Shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Might be a few places were there wouldn’t be much space left between 52nd street and a building for a sidewalk

Looking at it, It might be not quite as hard as I thought, thanks to what looks like a right of way set aside for road widening between Marbank Drive and Memorial. It still would be a shame to lose the grassed/treed medians & shoulders that some of the stretch has. Of course, that could be mitigated.

However, I think if you are looking to do all of that just for a right of way, you start looking at putting more than just a BRT in that right of way – perhaps a streetcar or even a subway line (to be part of a future circle subway/LRT line).

[frinkprof]

Nevermind.

[ssiguy]

Thanks Mersar. Great to see non-stop CTrain expansion.

[mersar]

4th Street SW Station
http://compscience.info/public/images/2010/4thstreetlrt-apr15-1.jpg
Looking west

http://compscience.info/public/images/2010/4thstreetlrt-apr15-2.jpg
Looking east

If the rest of the +15 does come down it won't be until the May long weekend most likely. I say that as the LRT caternary would need to be removed temporarily and may actually be hanging from it

[fusili]

Massive medians? they are just over a lane wide. The shoulders for the most part aren't wide enough that taking more than half a lane's width on each side would still allow a comfortable sidewalk experience.

Massive medians for Calgary? No. Massive medians for anywhere else in the world? Yes (ok, maybe an exaggeration, but still there is a lot of ROW there). The 14th avenue to 17th avenue is the only place where I see expropriation being necessary. The rest of the route may involve lane reductions, but the traffic volumes should decrease a bit anyways.

[Arch26]

If the rest of the +15 does come down it won't be until the May long weekend most likely. I say that as the LRT caternary would need to be removed temporarily and may actually be hanging from it

The deck portion of the Plus 15 bridge is not being removed.

[CTrainDude]

The deck portion of the Plus 15 bridge is not being removed.

I think it is.....when mersar mentioned.

[You Need A Thneed]

I think it is.....when mersar mentioned.

The plans don't call for the rest to be removed. They are going to build a new cover over the existing structure that remains.

[mersar]

And they seem to be pushing on the new station. I just went past around midnight and there was still a crew working with huge flood lights lighting the entire area up.

[SubwayRev]

I think it is.....when mersar mentioned.

With all due respect to merser, when it comes to something spanning high above the street, I"m going with 'Arch26' on this one! :haha:


The deck portion of the Plus 15 bridge is not being removed.

[srperrycgy]

Noticed a few of these new stickers on garbage bins at some bus shelters on my long walk today.

http://members.shaw.ca/LRT3/GarbageBin.jpg

[fusili]

:previous: What the hell is that? What kind of ridiculous city only lets transit customers use a garbage bin? Should others throw it on the ground? How is the city proposing to enforce this? What a waste a money. This city is idiotic.

[frinkprof]

Nevermind.

[freeweed]

I think the idea is similar to apartment bins - don't just chuck your trash randomly. And like those, it fails miserably, but makes some bureaucrat feel good.

[DizzyEdge]

^^ So funny, I noticed one of those bins today too and thought pretty much the same thing. Think it would be a bad idea to create a new sticker to put below it "Non Transit users may throw garbage on the ground"

[MalcolmTucker]

I think the idea is similar to apartment bins - don't just chuck your trash randomly. And like those, it fails miserably, but makes some bureaucrat feel good.

It would be the advertising partner that put those in I think.

[mersar]

My first though when I saw one of the signs the other day was if there may be some obscure law somewhere that by having the sign makes the bins 'private' and they can then potentially ticket people who dig through the bins looking for bottles and potentially make a mess.

[Rusty van Reddick]

:previous: What the hell is that? What kind of ridiculous city only lets transit customers use a garbage bin? Should others throw it on the ground? How is the city proposing to enforce this? What a waste a money. This city is idiotic.

These tiny little trash receptacles are constantly overflowing, so this is a cheap attempt to get people to use some other trash receptacle. How is this sign hurting you, exactly?

[fusili]

These tiny little trash receptacles are constantly overflowing, so this is a cheap attempt to get people to use some other trash receptacle. How is this sign hurting you, exactly?

It's not hurting me, it is just a ridiculous policy. Well, maybe it hurts because it is so stupid. Put in bigger trash cans, have more regular emptying of the cans, put in more cans etc. etc. The point is this is very typical of the city of Calgary: Finding the cheapest way to address a problem, not the most cost-effective of course, no that would be too much to ask, just the cheapest.

Do you think this is going to work at all? If I have a piece of garbage I am carrying, am I going to see the sign and think, "Oh, I should carry this piece of garbage another 4 more blocks to find the next garbage can, if I find one at all. Putting this garbage in this receptacle is obviously a digression against Calgary Transit, and therefore I should respect their request and hold on to a piece of garbage until I get home"? It is ridiculous, if the garbage bins are overflowing, empty them more often or provide more receptacles. That would be an actual solution.

[MalcolmTucker]

^ The cans aren't City of Calgary, they are viacom or pattison or whoever has the furniture/advertising contract.

[castironbacon]

^Tell us how you really feel fusili.

Seriously though, it is a bit absurd. Like you said, how do you enforce something like that, and why?

Maybe they wanted a throw-in charge to pin on someone who is loitering at stations/bus stops or something to that effect.

And how do you define customer? I have a bus pass. Does that mean I can use the bin anytime I walk by or do I have to be waiting for a bus when I use it?

[frinkprof]

Nevermind.

[fusili]

Yeah, that's what I'm wondering as well. Technically a customer could be anyone who has boarded a Calgary Transit vehicle in their lifetime. How exactly do you enforce this rule? How do you prove that someone is not intending to board the next bus that shows up, or the one after that?

What good is the rule if it is unenforceable?

The worst thing about these signs is that it just seems cold. How do signs like that make transit attractive to people passing by them?

Exactly, completely unenforceable, and completely cold and bureaucratic.

[MichaelS]

Yeah, that's what I'm wondering as well. Technically a customer could be anyone who has boarded a Calgary Transit vehicle in their lifetime. How exactly do you enforce this rule? How do you prove that someone is not intending to board the next bus that shows up, or the one after that?

What good is the rule if it is unenforceable?

The worst thing about these signs is that it just seems cold. How do signs like that make transit attractive to people passing by them?

It makes people think that, if they used transit more, they would have access to more services, such as frequent garbage cans.:shrug:

[DizzyEdge]

It makes people think that, if they used transit more, they would have access to more services, such as frequent garbage cans.:shrug:

(Guy1 starts to throw some trash on the ground)
Guy2: Woah bro, what are you doing?
Guy1: Oh just tired of carrying this piece of trash.
Guy2: Dude.. bro.. dude..there's a better way!
Guy1: Oh?
Guy2: Bro... have you thought about.. Transit?
Guy1: Go on.
Guy2: They have complementary trash cans.
Guy1: Woah, that's tight, I'm going to get myself a Transit pass today!
Guy1 and Guy2: AND YOU SHOULD TOO!